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Connecting Communities

Transportation and housing are at a tipping point in Silicon Valley, and they’re connected to another hot issue: climate change. What can we do to solve all three problems simultaneously?

The Connecting Communities series is brought to you by TransForm and the Silicon Valley Climate Action Alliance, made possible with generous contributions from Mineta Transportation Institute, SamTrans, and Lyft. Other contributors include SAMCEDA, Palo Alto Forward, Menlo Spark, and Friends of Caltrain. See full list of event co-sponsors.

Car-Light Housing: More affordability, less traffic

We need to address the housing affordability crisis, but we don’t want to make it harder to get around town or harm the climate. Join us for this discussion to:

Learn about the connections between housing affordability, traffic reduction, and climate change;

Hear what neighboring communities are doing to reduce the need to drive; and

See how you can help make your community more walkable, affordable, and transit-friendly.

Beyond Commuter Rail: International models of rail excellence

Alon Levy, writer and analyst about transit systems around the world, comes to the United States with international examples of effective rail and transit systems, and a critique of the practices that hold the U.S. back from excellent service.

As Caltrain prepares a business plan for the era of electric service, what can we learn about the transformation of commuter rail around the world? What can the Bay Area learn about pulling together seamlessly integrated transit systems in complex regions?

Three Revolutions: Planning for an electric, autonomous, shared transportation future

Three revolutions will fundamentally change transportation. But whether these changes will be for better or worse for social equity, traffic congestion, pollution, and energy use, will depend on the policy choices we make now.

Topics/speakers:

Dan Sperling, UC Davis: 3 Revolutions Future Mobility Program

Debs Schrimmer, Lyft: Technology / service provider perspective

Clarrissa Cabansagan, TransForm: Policy and Equity considerations

Moderator: Billy Riggs

Co-sponsors: SAMCEDA, Menlo Spark, TransForm, Friends of Caltrain

Thursday, April 19, 6:30-8pm
SamTrans Auditorium
1250 San Carlos Ave, San CarlosHear the audio recording of this event:

Optimizing Our Highways: Moving more people with fewer cars

An express lane is now being considered on 101 from San Francisco to San Jose, but projections show that it alone will do little to solve our traffic woes. It is increasingly clear that the only way to get to the root of congestion — and to reduce climate emissions — is by catalyzing a dramatic shift from solo driving to carpools, shuttles, transit and incentivizing a shift to clean vehicles. Can we make Silicon Valley the place to break out with truly disruptive ideas that work?

Topics/speakers:

Stuart Cohen and Chris Lepe, Executive Director and Senior Community Planner at TransForm, will outline how a 101 Mobility Action Plan (MAP) can achieve stronger equity and environmental outcomes while improving mobility.

Jeff Tumlin, Principal and Director of Strategy at Nelson\Nygaard, will discuss how to best implement managed/express lanes.

We'll also create ways for the audience to get your ideas into the mix.

Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the region and the state. What transportation strategies make it harder to reduce GHGs, and what can help? How can we make better decisions today that support a sustainable future?

How is California accelerating the transition from polluting, fossil fuel cars to electric vehicles? Come learn about charging stations and infrastructure, what cars and trucks are available, saving money by going electric, and how everyone can benefit from the growth of electric vehicles. Starting at 6 pm, there will be a variety of electric vehicles on display at the event venue. The electric vehicle owners will be available to answer your questions. Speakers will begin their presentations at 6:30 pm.

Topics/speakers:

Opening comments, Assemblymember Marc Berman (invited)

John Supp from Silicon Valley Clean Energy will discuss how community choice energy providers are helping with EV chargers

Mark Tang from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District will explain the BAAQMD rebate program for low-income EV purchaser

Janelle London of Colutura will share creative strategies using policy and culture to shift us away from gasoline engines

Shyam Nagrani of MotivPower will discuss EVs for the medium-duty transportation sector